A Crash Testing Evaluation of Motorcyclist Protection Systems for Use on Steel W-Beam Safety Barriers
Keywords: Crash Test, Rub Rail, Motorcycle Under Run, Injury Risk, Motorcyclist, Road Safety Barriers
ACRS
Submission Date: November 9, 2017 Journal
Suggested Citation: Baker, J., Eveleigh, M., & Burrows, A. (2017). A crash testing evaluation of motorcyclist protection systems for use on steel W-beam safety barriers. Journal of the Australasian College of Road Safety, 28(4), 12-21.
Abstract
Safety barriers are a popular and proven countermeasure used to protect vehicle occupants from roadside hazards. However, international and Australian research demonstrates that safety barriers can pose significant safety risks to motorcyclists in the event of a crash. The Centre for Road Safety (CRS) undertook a series of crash tests of currently available Motorcyclist Protection Systems (MPS) to investigate their suitability for use on NSW roads. The objectives were to assess whether the addition of MPS to a standard W-Beam improves the injury outcome for an impacting motorcyclist, without compromising the safety of other road users.